The association between tissue doppler-derived E/(e's') ratio and coronary atherosclerosis severity measured by the SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST elevation-acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients hospitalized with non-ST elevation-acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is typically determined by the existence and severity of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular (LV) remodeling. AIM: The present study was to assess the association between the E/(e's') ratio and the coronary atherosclerosis severity, measured by the SYNTAX score, in patients with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, this study was prospectively conducted on 252 patients with NSTE-ACS, undergoing an echocardiography to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the left atrial (LA) volume, the pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler-derived transmitral early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities, and the tissue Doppler (TD)-derived mitral annular early diastolic (e') and peak systolic (s') velocities. After that, a coronary angiography (CAG) was performed, and the SYNTAX score was calculated. RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups, viz., those with the E/(e's') ratio < 1.63 and the cases with the ratio ≥ 1.63. The results revealed that the patients with a high ratio were older, had a higher prevalence of females, a SYNTAX score ≥ 22, and a lower glomerular filtration rate than those with a low ratio (p-value < 0.001). Besides, these patients had larger indexed LA volume and lower LVEF than others (p-value: 0.028 and 0.023, respectively). Furthermore, the multiple linear regression outcomes established a positive independent association between the E/(e's') ratio ≥ 1.63 (B = 5.609, 95% CI 2.324-8.894, p-value = 0.001) and the SYNTAX score. CONCLUSION: The study results demonstrated that the patients hospitalized with NSTE-ACS and the E/(e's') ratio ≥ 1.63 had worse demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory profiles and a higher prevalence of a SYNTAX score ≥ 22 than those with a lower ratio.

COVID-19 Presented With Deep Vein Thrombosis: An Unusual Presenting.

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization was informed of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The pneumonia was caused by a virus called SARS-Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which was later named coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). The symptoms most commonly reported by patients affected by COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. In this report, we present a case of a 57-year-old woman who presented to the clinic's infectious department with swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the left leg who was treated with therapeutic heparin. There were no typical and distinguished symptoms of COVID-19, and she had no risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. Then chest X-ray revealed bilateral patchy ground-glass opacity, and computed tomography angiography was performed to rule out pulmonary thromboembolism, which showed no evidence of thrombosis. Left lower limb venous color Doppler ultrasound revealed dilatation and thrombosis in the external iliac and left iliac veins up to the level of the bifurcation of the common iliac veins, as well as thrombosis to the superficial and small saphenous veins. Because of ground-glass opacity and lymphopenia, nasal swabs were used for sampling, and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This case aims to arouse the medical staff's awareness of deep vein thrombosis as a clinical symptom of COVID-19 even if the patient has no typical symptoms of COVID-19.

Venoplasty and stenting in post-thrombotic syndrome and non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion.

Introduction: Venous outflow obstruction is a common condition among patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Endovascular treatment is favourable over open surgery. This study aimed to assess stent patency and clinical outcome in venous outflow obstruction of lower limbs, and also to compare it between post-thrombotic syndrome and non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions.Material and methods: The study was a historical cohort study. Patients with chronic deep venous insufficiency referred to our tertiary referral centre who underwent venoplasty were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups: non-thrombotic-iliac-vein-lesions and post-thrombotic syndrome. Stent patency rate, clinical improvement and risk factors were evaluated during a six-months course after venoplasty.Results: One-hundred-sixty-four patients were included. Six-months primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 98.86%, 100% and100% in the non-thrombotic-iliac-vein-lesions group and 88%, 93% and 96% in the post thrombotic syndrome groups (p-value = .005, p-value = .02, and p-value = .09, respectively). Pain, claudication and edema were the most common symptoms in both groups and significantly improved after six months. Early thrombosis in the PTS group was more common (9 vs. 1, P value = .007).Conclusion: Percutaneous stenting in patients with venous outflow obstruction is safe and effective with a high patency rate and significant decrease in clinical score in both post-thrombotic syndrome and non-thrombotic-iliac-vein lesions groups.

The coexistence of left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, significant coronary artery disease and massive thrombus formation in left ventricular cavity: A rare case report.

Non-compaction of the left-ventricular myocardium is an extremely rare cardiomyopathy. The most common clinical manifestations are heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death. The condition is diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging. We report a rare case of a 55-year-old man with coexistence of left ventricular non compaction cardiomyopathy, significant coronary artery disease and massive thrombus formation within recesses in left ventricular cavity.

Concomitant neurogenic and vascular thoracic outlet syndrome due to multiple exostoses.

We report a rare case of multiple hereditary exostosis where patient presented with bilateral base of neck exostoses with concurrent compression of brachial plexus and subclavian artery and vein. The patient was a young 26-year-old woman with chief complaints of pain in the left upper extremity, paresthesia in the left ring and little finger, and weakness in hand movement and grip. On referral, history, physical examination, radiological imaging, and electrodiagnostic tests evaluated the patient. Due to severe pain and disability in performing routine activities, surgical intervention was necessary. In the current case, the patient had thoracic outlet syndrome with concomitant venous, arterial, and neurogenic sub types. Radial pulse returned and pain associated with brachial plexus compression was resolved after the surgery.

Mutations in HNF1A Gene are not a Common Cause of Familial Young-Onset Diabetes in Iran.

Mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1A) as a homeodomain transcription factor which regulates variety of genes, are the most common cause of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Detection of HNF1A mutations not only classifies the subtype, but also predicts the likely clinical course and may alters the method of treatment from insulin to the oral sulphonylureas, which is shown to improve glycemic control. The coding and promoter regions of HNF1A gene were screened for mutations in 34 unrelated Iranian MODY patients. We identified one novel missense mutation (C49G) and two novel polymorphisms and 8 recently identified SNPs in the HNF1A gene. It is possible that in Iran, other yet to be identified genes are responsible for the familial young onset diabetes. Hence, there is a need for more extensive genetic analyses in Iranian patients with familial young onset diabetes.

Alterations in echocardiographic left ventricular function after percutaneous coronary stenting in diabetic patients with isolated severe proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting theories regarding the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of isolated severe proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis in place of left internal mammary artery grafting in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PCI on left ventricular function and determine difference between diabetics and non-diabetics. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 50 patients with isolated severe proximal LAD stenosis: 23 diabetic and 27 non-diabetic patients. Successful PCI with everolimus-eluting stents was performed for all of the patients. These patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 24h before and 1 month after PCI, and alterations in the left ventricular parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was a significant 12% increment in the mitral annular peak systolic velocity (s') (p=0.02), 21% decrement in the trans mitral early filling deceleration time (DT) (p<0.001), 10% decrement in the systolic left ventricular internal dimension (LVIDs) (p=0.002), significant increment in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p=0.004), and significant decrement in the left atrial diameter (p=0.006) in the diabetic patients after performing PCI. Conversely, the non-diabetic patients showed a statistically significant 14% increase in the DT, 6.3% decrease in the s' velocity, 8% increase in the LVIDs, significant increment in the left atrial diameter and no change in LVEF after PCI. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that everolimus-eluting stents favorably improved the markers of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in diabetic patients with isolated severe proximal LAD stenosis compared with those of non-diabetic patients with the same condition.

Therapeutic Effects of Successful Angioplasty on the Aorta and Lower Limb Arteries on the Healing of Chronic Ischemic Wounds.

Background: Chronic wounds are a serious problem for the patient and can increase the socioeconomic burden on the healthcare system and community. This study aimed at investigating the effect of angioplasty on chronic ischemic wound healing. Methods: This study was conducted in Sina Hospital, affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Thirty-eight patients with chronic ischemic wounds and a suspicion of the narrowing or blockage of arteries underwent peripheral angiography. Arteries under angioplasty in different patients comprised the aorta and the iliac, superficial femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries. The patients were evaluated in terms of wound healing in weekly and monthly visits. Wound healing was measured based on the Bates-Jensen criteria. Results: The patients were followed up at a median of 4.5 months. The mean age of the patients was 61.1 ± 7.5 years. Of 38 patients, 12 (31.6%) were female. The involvement of arteries on angiography consisted of 16 (42.2%) cases of total occlusion and 22 (57.8%) cases of stenosis. Following angioplasty, the level of the narrowing of arteries and the wound score showed a significant reduction in all the patients (p value < 0.001). Wound healing was observed in 29 (76.3%) patients. Hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, and thrombosis comprised the complications. No significant differences were observed in terms of age, gender, and history of risk factors between the 2 groups of wound healing and nonhealing. The wound evaluation scores before (p value = 0.044) and after (p value < 0.001) angioplasty were lower in the wound healing group than in the nonhealing group. Conclusion: Angioplasty of the aorta and lower limb arteries improved the healing of chronic ischemic wounds in our patients.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presenting as Constrictive Pericarditis: A Rare Case Report.

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon post inflammatory disorder. It is described as pericardial thickening, myocardial constriction, and impaired diastolic filling. The most common etiologies are idiopathy, mediastinal radiotherapy, and prior cardiac surgery. Less common etiologies include viral infections, collagen vascular disorders, renal failure, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and blunt chest trauma. CP can less commonly be caused by malignancy. We report a very rare case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) presenting twice with attacks of decompensated heart failure. Echocardiography revealed that CP was responsible for the patient's symptoms as the first manifestation of NHL. Chest computed tomography scan and biopsy findings were compatible with the diagnosis of NHL. The patient received R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin®, and prednisone or prednisolone, combined with the monoclonal antibody rituximab) chemotherapy. Three months later, there was significant improvement in the patient's symptoms and considerable decrease in pericardial thickness.

Comparison of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Patients With Progressive and Stable Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Activity of vitiligo has not been considered as a patient selection criteria in previous studies; we decided to compare the presence of elevated thyroid auto-antibodies in patients with progressive and stable vitiligo. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with vitiligo were examined for thyroid problems and were divided into 2 groups of stable and progressive vitiligo according to their history and physical examination. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO antibodies), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were assessed for all patients. RESULTS: Elevated levels of anti-TPO antibodies were observed in 43.7% of the patients with stable vitiligo and in 37.5% of patients with progressive vitiligo, which was not statistically significant (P = .315). CONCLUSION: This study not only confirmed thyroid dysfunction in patients with vitiligo but also showed that there was no difference in thyroid dysfunction and anti-TPO antibody levels in the subgroups of patients with stable or progressive vitiligo.

Venoplasty and Venous Stenting in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency in the Lower Extremities.

Background: Venoplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive therapy that can be used for patients with deep venous insufficiency in the lower extremities. This study aimed at investigating the effect of venoplasty and venous stenting in patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the lower limbs. Methods: This prospective case-series study recruited patients with chronic deep venous insufficiency in the lower limbs candidated for venoplasty in the Vascular Clinic of Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Venoplasty and stenting was done if the deep venous system in the lower extremities had stenosis or obstruction on venography. The patients were visited 1, 3, and 6 months after venoplasty to assess their symptoms, venous clinical severity, and venous disability. Primary and secondary patency was evaluated with Doppler ultrasound. Results: Seventy-three patients were included in the study. The follow-up of the patients' clinical symptoms showed significant improvement rates of about 90%, 88.7%, 92.5%, and 100% in claudication, edema, pain, and ulcers-respectively- only 1 month after the procedure. The stent patency rates were 93.2, 91.5, and 92.4 in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th postprocedural months, correspondingly. The venous clinical severity score and the venous disability score before the procedure were 14.2 and 2.73, respectively, which were decreased to 5 and 1.1, correspondingly, at 6 months' follow-up (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Venoplasty and stenting in our patients with chronic deep venous insufficiency in the lower extremities conferred a significant improvement in clinical symptoms and a high percentage of patency.

Effects of Everolimus-Eluting Stents on the Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Functions.

BACKGROUND: The drug-eluting stent (DES) decreases the rate of coronary restenosis and re-obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the effectiveness of the new generation DES on the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in patients with isolated severe proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 50 patients with isolated severe proximal LAD stenosis. Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Everolimus-eluting stents was performed for the whole study population. All the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 24 hours before and one month after PCI, and LV systolic and diastolic parameters were compared before and after PCI using the paired samples t-test. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 57.68 ± 8.82 years. Within the study population, 26 (52%) patients were male and 24 (48%) were female. There was a significant 10.6% and 5.2% increase in the early diastolic mitral annular motion (e') and the LV ejection fraction following PCI, respectively (p value = 0.005 and p value = 0.044, respectively). Before PCI, wall motion abnormality was seen in 2.21 ± 2.91 segments, which significantly decreased to 1.49 ± 2.58 segments (p value = 0.04) after the procedure. Also, the wall motion score index was 1.18 ± 0.26 before PCI, which significantly decreased to 1.13 ± 0.23 after PCI (p value < 0.001). Also, there was a trend toward a higher ratio of transmitral peak early diastolic velocity to peak late diastolic velocity after PCI (p value = 0.068). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the use of the Everolimus-eluting stents improved the LV systolic and diastolic functions in patients with isolated severe LAD stenosis.

Long term effects of below-the-knee angioplasty in diabetic patients with critical ischemia of lower limbs referred to Sina Hospital during 2010-2011.

UNLABELLED: Despite significant advances in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and below-the-knee critical ischemia, there are ongoing efforts to achieve a method with low complication, high success rate and persistence of long-term effects. The aim of the study was to examine the outcome of angioplasty in patients with below-the-knee critical ischemia referred to Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This semi-experimental study conducted on diabetics patients treated with PTA (Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) with critical ischemia of lower limbs referred to Sina Hospital. After discharge, the patients were followed weekly for the first month and then monthly up to 12 months. The procedure short-term effects were examined through evaluation of wound healing as well as patients' recovery and pain relief, after one month. Given the distribution type, parametric and non-parametric test were used to compare the results before and after treatment. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between variables. RESULTS: Twenty four patients participated in this study. The mean ankle-brachial index (ABI) at baseline was 0.55 ± 0.17. A month after angioplasty, the index increased statistically significant to 0.93 ± 0.16. The mean health score expressed by the patients at baseline was 5.48 ± 1.39. A month after angioplasty, it was significantly increased (6.32 ± 1.24). The mean pain score before enrollment was 6.68 ± 2.52 (according to VAS scale). There was a significant decrease over time (3.45 ± 1.13). The overall mean score of all patients at Rutherford Classification was 3.88 ± 0.63 at baseline. During the 1st month and 6th month follow-up, it was changed to Class 0 that was statistically significant in the first month. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the mid-term outcomes of PTA. Although PTA treatment was associated with improved pain scores, satisfaction with health, classification of limb ischemia and diabetic foot ulcers, the effects only remain short-term and mid-term. However, long-term efficacy of PTA needs to be investigated further.

Comparison of results of placement of cuffed -tunneled hemodialysis catheter in internal jugular vein with subclavian vein for long -term dialysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: was to comparison between internal jugular vs. subclavian vein cuffed tunnel catheter placement for dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases who required central venous catheter for dialysis were included in this study. Forty cases were included in this study and divided to two groups. Catheters were placed randomly in internal jugular vein or subclavian. Patients were followed for 6 months. Early and late complications of catheter's placement were recorded. Analysis was done using Spss ver 13.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between subclavian and internal jugular vein regarding occurrence of infection resulted in extraction or treatment. Also there were no significant differences regarding occurrence of thrombosis resulted in extraction or treatment. Failure rate was significantly higher in cases with internal jugular vein catheter compared to cases with subclavian vein catheter (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Failure rate was significantly higher in cases with internal jugular vein catheter compared to subclavian cathether. Subclavian catheter is more appropriate route for catheter placement.

Epidemiology of outpatient burns in Tehran: an analysis of 4813 cases.

This study aims to demonstrate the epidemiologic characteristics of outpatient burn injuries in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was performed over a 1-year period in a referral burn centre in Tehran and included all outpatient burns. The required data were recorded by two trained physicians. Of the 4813 studied patients, including 293 infants, 2901 patients (60%) were male (P<0.001). The mean age of the adult patients was 31.3+/-18.3 years, while for infants it was 10.68+/-2.27 months. In all age groups and both genders, scalding was the most common aetiology. Majority of the burns were non-intentional (n=4808) and 70.5% of the injuries occurred at home. Housewives consisted of 24% of the burn patients. With respect to the site of burn, multiple injuries were the most frequent (53%) followed by upper extremities (37%). Most of the burns (96%) were partial thickness. Significant association was present between the aetiology and depth of burn (P<0.001). The mean affected total body surface area (TBSA) was 3.16+/-2.92% and there was significant association between burnt TBSA and the mechanism of injury (P<0.001). In conclusion, it seems that women aged 21-30 years and children younger than 10 years are at greater risk of these injuries and therefore should be the target for preventive strategies.